If you are keen to explore your options as a landlord for the first-time, you need to be aware that a raft of reforms have impacted on this sector over the last year.

For example, around 300 local authorities now require you to register as a landlord, while others are consulting on the introduction of a register. Check your local council’s website to see if this will affect you.

Landlords will also need to register with a redress scheme in future, in order to solve tenancy disputes. At this time, it remains unclear whether this will be overseen by extending the remit of an existing body or require a new body to be established. But the commitment to introduce such a scheme is firm.

In addition, any property to be leased must now have a minimum energy efficiency rating of E. (If you’re a seasoned investor, you’ll be aware that tenancies set up before April 2018 have until 2020 to comply.) Providing false information on this could lead to a fine of up to £5000, so you must be clear about the energy rating of any property you intend to buy now, or in the future.

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When looking at the overall condition of a property, remember there are also proposals to introduce inspections on rented premises every three years.

Then there’s tax change: in the current tax year (starting on 5 April 2018) you can offset 50% of your mortgage interest for tax relief as a landlord, but this allowance will disappear completely by 2020. So, on any purchase you are currently considering, it will pay to do your sums carefully.

Lenders are also imposing their own tougher restrictions on portfolio landlords. If you are considering a fourth property (or above) then you now need to show full financial information for each existing property when applying for new finance. If your portfolio is heavily mortgaged, it could result in some lenders turning down your application for a new loan.

If you’re classed as self-employed, the other thing to bear in mind is that any loan for Buy to Let is assessed on your self-employed profit (that’s after deduction of expenses), and is also secondary to the potential rental income from the property.

As we saw last year, taxation rules are always changing, so we recommend you consult us in advance of your plans. We can review the tax implications of any planned purchase, before you commit, ensuring that the best approach is taken for your personal circumstances.

As a mortgage is secured against your property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.

"I have known David Henderson for seven years and during that time, he has had full control of my financial investment portfolio through retirement and the consequences of adjustment to widowhood. I have never had any cause to doubt his skilled advice and commitment. This has been delivered through a friendly and totally reliable relationship. I have regarded him as a trustworthy friend and in terms of the financial manoeuvres, his practical adjustments have (thus far in a volatile world!) all been safe and successful. He has been helpfully reassuring at times based on an extensive knowledge of theway the markets and global economy works I find this very educational. I have recommended his services to several friends all of whom have commented most favourably after his input totheir finances."

Dr Ken Morley

"Medical + Dental Financial Planning Services have advised us for several years and we are delighted with their expertise and guidance. David Henderson and his team have offered invaluable, intelligent and astute recommendations of our investments, particularly in the difficult world of retirement, and we anticipate that this personal relationship continues in a long and fruitful association over the coming years."

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"May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you and the rest of the staff at Medical Dental FPS for the assistance you have provided me with various financial services over the years. I don't mind saying that I struggle with the processes requierd to renew mortgages, keep savings, investments and insurnace policies up to date, with your help I believe my family and I are well served. We are also grateful for the assitance you provided when we were building our house, I now know from others experiences that this is not always as straightforward as it seemed to me!"

Dr Russell Duncan

"We have known David for many years. During that time he has consistently provided us with independent financial advise that is tailored to meet our needs. From our very first meeting we felt at ease, he listened and understood our financial requirements. He manages to explain all the aspects of our financial planning in clear and concise terms, making us feel confident in each decision making process.

For both long term financial planning to shorter more immediate needs such as remortgaging he has always provided excellent, well thought through guidance. Thanks to David we now have a robust financial plan to take us into retirement. MedicalDental Financial Planners provide a fantastic service and we have recommended them to several of our colleagues, family and friends. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for financial planning advice."

We have the benefit of many years spent advising doctors and dentists and guiding them through financial planning for protecting the family, savings and investing for the future, retirement, and the complex tax issues that can arise.

We bring a wealth of experience in delivering impartial specialist advice. We can help you formulate a financial plan that is based on a clear understanding of your needs – today, and in the future – to manage and protect your wealth.

There are many different ‘tools’ that help you save for retirement, and the taxation and investment elements of each can appear baffling. We explain, recommend and monitor pension products for you, putting you in control of the choices that will achieve your goals.

Our mission is to use our knowledge and skills to provide unbiased financial advice, so that you can face the future with increased confidence regarding your financial position today, and the financial security of your family in future.

Every investment carries some element of risk, which is why we reflect risk management in the financial planning we provide for clients. We work with you so that you are financially well organised, aware of your current and likely future financial position, and therefore remain in control of the choices you make.

Buying a property can be stressful and time consuming at the best of times, and for some borrowers finding and selecting the most suitable mortgage for them can be a contributory factor. Working with us means that you’ll benefit from informed advice from the outset, backed by up-to-date financial intelligence, and years of practical experience.